Dental Hygienist Salary in the United States
Based on 220K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$96,870
$46.57/hr
Salary Range
$78K – $111K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
220K
workers nationwide
The median Dental Hygienist salary in the United States is approximately $96,870 per year, or $47 per hour. This vital healthcare role focuses on preventative oral care, performing services like cleanings, examinations, and patient education to maintain oral health. The overall salary range for this profession typically falls between $78,481 and $110,584 annually.
Several factors can influence a Dental Hygienist's earning potential. Location plays a significant role, with areas like the District of Columbia reporting much higher salaries, reaching up to $137,220. Years of experience, the type of practice (e.g., private practice, dental clinic, public health), and additional certifications or specializations can also impact compensation for Dental Hygienist salary in the United States.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,481 |
| 25th percentile | $88,592 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,870 |
| 75th percentile | $103,763 |
| 90th percentile | $110,584 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Dental Hygienist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $137,220 | +41.7% | 320 |
| 2 | Alaska | $132,690 | +37.0% | 790 |
| 3 | Washington | $131,160 | +35.4% | 6K |
| 4 | California | $124,930 | +29.0% | 25K |
| 5 | Oregon | $122,080 | +26.0% | 4K |
| 6 | Nevada | $115,290 | +19.0% | 2K |
| 7 | Colorado | $109,580 | +13.1% | 4K |
| 8 | Maryland | $107,830 | +11.3% | 4K |
| 9 | New Jersey | $107,040 | +10.5% | 7K |
| 10 | New York | $106,130 | +9.6% | 14K |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Industry
How much Dental Hygienists earn across industries nationwide — Administrative and Support Services pays the most ($102,340 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative and Support Services | $102,340 | +5.6% | 2K |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $100,180 | +3.4% | 40 |
| 3 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $98,180 | +1.4% | 217K |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $96,200 | -0.7% | 40 |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | -2.4% | 120 |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $86,410 | -10.8% | 40 |
| 7 | Educational Services | $83,330 | -14.0% | 670 |
| 8 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $80,850 | -16.5% | 2K |
| 9 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $72,100 | -25.6% | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Hygienist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,776 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $88,592 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,763 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $110,584 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in the US?
- The median Dental Hygienist salary in the United States is $96,870 annually, which equates to about $47 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported salaries, with half earning more and half earning less.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Hygienist?
- The salary range for Dental Hygienists in the US generally spans from $78,481 to $110,584 per year. This variation reflects differences in experience, location, and practice settings.
Which states pay Dental Hygienists the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest compensation for Dental Hygienists, with an impressive median salary of $137,220 per year. Other high-paying states may also offer competitive salaries above the national median.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 220,430 Dental Hygienists employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial demand for these oral health professionals nationwide.